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Flymen Fishing Company

Fish-Skull® Sculpin Helmet™

Flymen Fishing Company

Fish-Skull® Sculpin Helmet™

$ 6.80

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The ultimate heavyweight head for deep-swimming, hook-up streamers.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2011 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

Tie heavyweight streamers with realistic, flat and broad profiles; the perfect imitation for common bottom-dwelling fish species such as sculpins, gobies and baby catfish. Designed for use on both hook and tube streamers, the Sculpin Helmet has a weighted keel to keep your streamer swimming hook-up and avoid snagging.

Realistic profileFlat and broad profile that imitates common bottom-dwelling fish species such as sculpins, gobies and baby catfish.

Front-fitting designSimply tie in all materials first, then fit the Sculpin Helmet from the front. Quick and easy to use.

Front slotAllows for use on both hook and tube flies.

Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™Included in a corresponding size and color, these ultra-realistic eyes act as an important trigger for predatory game fish.

Heavyweight KeelDistributes most of the helmet’s weight to the bottom of the streamer, ensuring it will swim in the correct position. This also allows you to tie with the hook facing either down or up. We have deliberately made the Sculpin Helmet significantly heavier than the Baitfish Head so that it will sink quickly in fast moving rivers and fish deeper near the bottom where sculpins typically live.

ColorsAvailable in brown, black and olive, plus silver in the Mini size. The matte (non-shiny) finish is perfect for the type of shy, bottom-dwelling species you are trying to imitate. The special oxide coating gives an uneven, almost blotchy, effect that has differing shades of color. For example, the brown color Sculpin Helmet is mostly a dark brown color, but will also reflect shades of black and tan at different angles giving a type of camouflage effect.

MiniFits hook sizes #10, #8, #6, #4, #2.

SmallFits hook sizes #6, #4, #2, #1.

LargeFits hook sizes #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0.

Note: The Mini is designed with a specially enlarged front slot to fit a wider range of hook sizes. This increased flexibility in hook sizes allows the Mini to be used in a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater streamer patterns.

After tying in all your materials, complete the streamer by simply fitting the Sculpin Helmet from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye.

1. Start by building your streamer; tie in all the tail, body and wing materials. Wrap a small thread-head and tie off your thread. Make sure you leave a generous gap between your thread-head and the eye of the hook to have room to fit the helmet.

2. Coat your thread wraps lightly with some Zap-A-Gap or similar glue and then fit the helmet from the front of the streamer. Position in place and make any final adjustments to your materials.

3. Re-attach your tying thread between the helmet and the eye of the hook and wrap a thread-dam to lock the helmet firmly in place. Tie off and cement the thread wraps.

A: They are made of a light-weight alloy comprised mainly of Zinc, which means it adds weight, but remains light enough to cast with a fly rod. There is no lead whatsoever in the product making it environmentally friendly.

Q: Can I use the Sculpin Helmet for tube flies?

A: Yes. The front slot has been designed so that both hooks and tube flies can be tied. The Mini and Small sizes fit a 3/32″ (2.4mm) diameter tube and the Large size fits a 1/8″ (3.2mm) diameter tube.

Q: What is the keel?

A: Streamers tied with the Sculpin Helmet are designed to fish deep in the hook-up position to avoid getting caught on the bottom. To achieve this, the Sculpin Helmet is made so that 70% of it’s weight and the center of gravity is situated below the shank of the hook. This heavyweight keel, or bottom, gives a dumbbell effect to the streamer, which means it will always ride in the hook-up position and track straight.

Q: How much do they weigh?

A: We have deliberately made the Sculpin Helmet significantly heavier than the Baitfish Head so it will sink quickly in fast moving rivers and fish deeper near the bottom where Sculpins typically live.

Mini size weighs 0.55 grams (0.02 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size of #4 and higher.

Small size weighs 1.38 grams ( 0.05 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size #5/6 and higher.

Large size weighs 2.98 grams ( 0.10 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size #7/8 and higher.

Related products

The absolute best material for tying weighted streamer patterns.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2010 International Fly Tackle Dealer ShowDesigned by Martin Bawden

The Baitfish Head is a weighted head with a realistic baitfish profile and unique design features that make it a versatile platform for tying a wide variety of streamer patterns. Quick and easy to tie, this groundbreaking innovation in fly tying offers an exciting alternative to using dumbbells or cones to weight your streamers. A set of matching Fish-Skull Living Eyes is included with the heads in your pack.

Realistic profileDesigned to mimic the head, eyes, and gill plates of a baitfish, and to push more water than traditional streamers.

Front-fitting designQuick and easy to use. Simply tie in all materials first, then fit the Baitfish Head from the front.

Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™Included in a corresponding size and color, these ultra-realistic eyes act as an important trigger for predatory game fish.

Weighted keelDistributes most of the head’s weight to the bottom of the streamer (like a dumbbell) ensuring it will swim in the correct position. This also allows you to tie with the hook facing either down or up.

Top and bottom slotsAllow vertical freedom of movement for the tying materials so you can tie broader profile streamers and get more natural action from the materials.

ColorsAvailable in six colors carefully selected to match almost any color of natural or synthetic fly tying material, and are anodized to provide color, flash and durability.

Note: Baitfish Heads have been sized using standard-length streamer hooks as a reference point. However, due to the wide variance in hook sizes and shapes found between the different hook manufacturers, this only provides general guidance to the hook sizes suitable for each size head. We suggest you experiment to find the optimum hook for the particular streamer pattern you wish to tie.

After tying in all your materials, complete the fly by simply fitting the Baitfish Head from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye.

1. Tie in all your materials first. When you tie off your materials, be sure leave a small gap of about a hook eye width between your thread head and the eye of the hook. This small gap leaves some room for the head and the final thread wraps.

2. Build up your thread head to a size that allows the head to fit snugly over your thread wraps and materials. This will be different for every fly you tie and is 100% dependent on the amount and type of materials you are using for the particular fly pattern you are tying. For example: a sparsely tied fly will have a smallish thread head after your materials are tied in; therefore, you may have to build up a bigger head by using more thread wraps than usual.

3. Lightly coat the thread wraps with some Super Glue. Simply coat the thread head all around (top, bottom, sides). A slight overlap onto the materials is fine (it all gets covered by the head, so no need to be too neat and tidy!) Give it 20-30 seconds to start drying a bit, and then fit the head.

4. Put the head on the fly from the front. You now have a unique opportunity to position your materials exactly how you want them on the fly before the glue sets. While the Super Glue is drying, you typically you will have about a minute or two to re-arrange your streamer materials exactly as desired. For example: if you want a broader profile fly you could position the materials in an Hi Tie position and once the glue dries it stays in place.

5. Tie a small thread-dam in front of the head, tie off, and cement. This small step locks everything tightly in place and guarantees the head will never come off. Finish the fly by securing the Fish-Skull Living Eyes securely in place using Super Glue or a light-hardening epoxy such as Clear Cure Goo.

Q: Where are Baitfish Heads made?A: In the USA at our North Carolina facility.

Q: What are the Baitfish Heads made of?

A: They are made of a light-weight alloy comprised mainly of Zinc, which means it adds weight, but remains light enough to cast with a fly rod. There is no lead whatsoever in the product making it environmentally friendly.

Tie weightless streamers that suspend in the water column.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2013 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

Best Tying Material: 2014 Outdoor Canada New Fly Fishing Gear Awards

The Fish-Mask is a weightless, clear version of the Baitfish Head that provides a clean, simple, and effective alternative to creating heads with epoxies. A realistic baitfish profile and the ability to take on the color of body materials make it a versatile platform for tying a wide variety of weightless streamer patterns.

The 8 sizes in the Fish-Mask range are designed to be exactly fit the 8 sizes of Living Eyes (a #4 Fish-Mask uses 4mm Living Eyes, a #5 Fish-Mask uses 5mm Living Eyes, etc.).

Realistic profileDesigned to mimic the head, eyes, and gill plates of a baitfish, and to push more water than traditional flies.

Front-fitting designQuick and easy to use. Simply tie in all materials first, then fit the Fish-Mask from the front.

Recessed eye sockets Designed to securely position, hold, and protect the eyes. The sizes directly correspond with Fish-Skull Living Eyes, which act as an important trigger for predatory game fish. (Fish Mask #3 fits Living Eyes 3 mm., etc.).

After tying in all your materials, complete the fly by simply fitting the Fish-Mask from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye.

1. Tie the entire fly onto the hook (or articulated shank) leaving a small gap behind the eye of the hook

2. Create a large thread head and tie off your materials.

3. Add super glue (or Clear Cure Goo Hydro) to the thread wraps.

4. Fit the Fish-Mask from the front of the fly and position it in place against the materials as desired. Note: If you use Clear Cure Goo, your UV light will shine right through the Fish-Mask and cure the goo within 8 to 10 seconds!

5. Tie a small thread-dam in front of the head, tie off, and cement. The thread head locks the Fish-Mask firmly in place, making it impossible to come loose.

A: The density of the material is slightly thicker than water, which means it will sink very slowly. This is perfect for creating weightless streamers that will suspend in the water column.

Q: Can the Fish-Mask be colored?

A: Yes, Fish-Masks can be colored using Copic marker pens.

Q: Can the Fish-Mask be combined with a Fish-Skull Articulated Shank?

A: Yes, the front-slot of the Fish-Mask is designed to fit our entire range of Fish-Skull articulated shanks: the Articulated Shank, Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shank, the Articulated Fish-Spine, and Senyo's Articulated Shank for Steelhead & Salmon Flies.

Q: What eyes can be used with the Fish-Mask?

A: Each size of Fish-Mask is designed to correspond to the range of Living Eyes. However, almost any type of 3D or stick-on fish eyes may also be used. This flexibility enables fly tiers to use whatever color or style of fish eyes best suited for the fly pattern they are tying and opens up endless possibilities for creativity. Please note that the Living Eyes are sold separately.

Q: What is the best way to secure the eyes in place?

A: We highly recommend using Clear Cure Goo Hydro to seal the eyes in place. This completely covers and then seals the eyes in place deep inside the eye sockets to produce a realistic finish. The eyes will never come off! Simply place the Living Eyes in the eye socket, cover them completely with some Clear Cure Goo Hydro, and then hit it with the light for 8 – 10 seconds to cure. You will love the result. Another method is to use clear drying super glue in the base of the eye sockets and then stick the Living Eyes in place. Done correctly, this is a very quick and effective technique.

Q: What is the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution?

A: A predator size Fish-Mask (#10 or #15) + Living Eyes (10mm or 15mm) + Chocklett’s Articulated Big Game Shank = the key platform upon which large, big game flies can be built.

The Evolution Caddis tungsten beadhead is molded after the common caddis pupa head profile -- round and undersized with bulbous eyes.

Evolution beadheads are simpler to use and have greater versatility than ordinary beads.

The holes are slightly bigger to fit a much larger range of hook styles and sizes. This extra space is designed for lead or lead-free wire to be used with the beadhead to create better body profiles. It also allows you to create neater flies by hiding excess materials, eliminating the ugly “thread collar” so typical of many beadhead nymph patterns

Take your tying and fishing to the next level by adding the final, previously impossible, element of realism to your caddis nymphs.

Realistic profileAchieve the unique “head arched down on a curved body” caddis pupa profile. The Evolution Caddis beadhead is shaped to naturally tilt forward on the hook.

Accurate proportionMatch the distinct caddis proportion of a small head attached to a large body. The Evolution Caddis beadhead is designed for smaller beads to fit on larger hooks.Tungsten weight100% pure tungsten for the fastest-sinking nymphs.

Q: Will the Evolution beadhead help me tie better flies and catch more fish?

A: Yes, it should in most fishing situations. In very fast, turbulent water such as rapids where trout are forced to make quick, instant “eating decisions” then the specific beadhead profile is less important. However, on rivers, streams, lakes and spring creeks where trout have more time to inspect and scrutinize your nymph, then any opportunity to improve your fly profile should be taken and the insect head and thorax area is a significant one. Think about the attention to detail and specific materials used by fly designers to produce perfect imitation wing-cases, thorax & abdomen colors, tails, body segmentation and other bug parts! Fly tying beads are no different and the Evolution beadhead range now enables the same level of detail not possible before. This contributes towards producing a better fly.

Another way to answer this question is to say you will not catch less fish! If you believe that weight is the only benefit of a tungsten bead, then the Evolution™ tungsten bead still provides that weight and you should expect to do the same as you usually do when you go fishing. However, we believe the combination of weight + profile + color gives added benefit and ultimately should allow you to produce a more effective nymph.

Q: Why are the holes at the back and front of the Evolution beadheads bigger than I am used to?

A: We created more space for a number of reasons:

We want the bead to fit a much wider range of hook styles and sizes. The bigger holes let you easily slip the bead around the bend of any hook. We also want to eliminate the ugly “thread collar” so typical of many beadhead nymph patterns. Creating more space inside the back of the bead allows you to bury any excess materials and your tying thread out of sight. Much neater flies!

We created more space to easily allow lead or lead-free wire to be used in conjunction with the beadhead to create better body profiles (and add more weight if needed). This is particularly relevant with the Stonefly and Mayfly Clinger & Crawler beadheads which have a flat, broad profile and tying in this way allows you to tie the right body profile and a heavier fly (see example photo below).

Q: How does the size and weight of an Evolution™ tungsten beadhead compare to that of a round bead?

A: As a general rule, they are about the same size and weight as a round tungsten bead you would use on a particular hook size. However, this will vary between the 4 different styles in the Evolution™ family. For example, the Stonefly bead (a big bug) is typically bigger/heaver and a Caddis (a small head on large body) is typically smaller/lighter than standard, round beads.

Q: Are you saying the Evolution beadhead gives the exact replica of every species of mayfly, caddis and stonefly?

A: No way! Entomologists please don’t get too excited! Given the vast diversity of aquatic insect life on the planet, Flymen Fishing Company is not claiming that every Evolution Beadhead reflects the exact size, shape, and color of all family’s within the mayfly, caddis and stonefly orders of insects! However, each insect order does for the most part tend to have their own distinctive head shape and we have managed to create a good “generalized” profile of the most common nymphs fly fishermen are trying to imitate. We believe the Evolution Beadhead does signify a considerable improvement over previous beads to date through its imitation of more accurate and proportionate natural insect head profiles.

The Evolution Mayfly Clinger & Crawler tungsten beadhead is molded after the common mayfly clinger and crawler head profile -- flat and broad with prominent eyes and a distinctive, rounded front.

Evolution beadheads are simpler to use and have greater versatility than ordinary beads.

The holes are slightly bigger to fit a much larger range of hook styles and sizes. This extra space is designed for lead or lead-free wire to be used with the beadhead to create better body profiles. It also allows you to create neater flies by hiding excess materials, eliminating the ugly “thread collar” so typical of many beadhead nymph patterns

Take your tying and fishing to the next level by adding the final, previously impossible, element of realism to your mayfly clinger and crawler nymphs.

A: Mayfly Clinger nymphs are commonly referred to as “flat heads” by entomologists and named for their habit of clinging to objects and surviving within the smooth boundary layer of water that surrounds underwater rocks and clutter. They sport flattened profiles, blunted broad heads and stout legs allowing them to hug the river bottom and survive in fast flowing rivers.

Mayfly Crawler nymphs are stocky and robust, creeping and crawling along the bottom as their name implies. Most of these flat headed crawler species live in flowing waters and move along the bottom using a laborious undulating motion.

Both clingers and crawler nymphs have a very similar profile with a flat, broad head, prominent eyes, and a distinctive curved head profile.

Q: Will the Evolution beadhead help me tie better flies and catch more fish?

A: Yes, it should in most fishing situations. In very fast, turbulent water such as rapids where trout are forced to make quick, instant “eating decisions” then the specific beadhead profile is less important. However, on rivers, streams, lakes and spring creeks where trout have more time to inspect and scrutinize your nymph, then any opportunity to improve your fly profile should be taken and the insect head and thorax area is a significant one. Think about the attention to detail and specific materials used by fly designers to produce perfect imitation wing-cases, thorax & abdomen colors, tails, body segmentation and other bug parts! Fly tying beads are no different and the Evolution beadhead range now enables the same level of detail not possible before. This contributes towards producing a better fly.

Another way to answer this question is to say you will not catch less fish! If you believe that weight is the only benefit of a tungsten bead, then the Evolution™ tungsten bead still provides that weight and you should expect to do the same as you usually do when you go fishing. However, we believe the combination of weight + profile + color gives added benefit and ultimately should allow you to produce a more effective nymph.

Q: Why are the holes at the back and front of the Evolution beadheads bigger than I am used to?

A: We created more space for a number of reasons:

We want the bead to fit a much wider range of hook styles and sizes. The bigger holes let you easily slip the bead around the bend of any hook. We also want to eliminate the ugly “thread collar” so typical of many beadhead nymph patterns. Creating more space inside the back of the bead allows you to bury any excess materials and your tying thread out of sight. Much neater flies!

We created more space to easily allow lead or lead-free wire to be used in conjunction with the beadhead to create better body profiles (and add more weight if needed). This is particularly relevant with the Stonefly and Mayfly Clinger & Crawler beadheads which have a flat, broad profile and tying in this way allows you to tie the right body profile and a heavier fly (see example photo below).

Q: How does the size and weight of an Evolution™ tungsten beadhead compare to that of a round bead?

A: As a general rule, they are about the same size and weight as a round tungsten bead you would use on a particular hook size. However, this will vary between the 4 different styles in the Evolution™ family. For example, the Stonefly bead (a big bug) is typically bigger/heaver and a Caddis (a small head on large body) is typically smaller/lighter than standard, round beads.

Q: Are you saying the Evolution beadhead gives the exact replica of every species of mayfly, caddis and stonefly?

A: No way! Entomologists please don’t get too excited! Given the vast diversity of aquatic insect life on the planet, Flymen Fishing Company is not claiming that every Evolution Beadhead reflects the exact size, shape, and color of all family’s within the mayfly, caddis and stonefly orders of insects! However, each insect order does for the most part tend to have their own distinctive head shape and we have managed to create a good “generalized” profile of the most common nymphs fly fishermen are trying to imitate. We believe the Evolution Beadhead does signify a considerable improvement over previous beads to date through its imitation of more accurate and proportionate natural insect head profiles.